by L Bowers
I shot up to a sitting position gasping for air. My hands moved around the bed feeling for a control stick. Maybe if I could just get out of the way… maybe if I got a shot off … maybe if …
Are you well? Titan’s voice interrupted my hysteria.
“Yeah, just a bad dream,” I said.
Do you often have bad dreams?
“Probably far too often. I don’t want to talk about it.”
I see. I will be here when you are ready to talk.
“Yeah, thanks. So, how about we look at some upgrades? I think we need to be better prepared for the next sortie.”
Very well. Might I make a suggestion?
“Let me guess, you want more intelligence?”
While that would be appreciated I thought we might be well served by more defensive options.
It was a good idea even if it wasn’t what I expected. A part of me expects Titan to want to become more and eventually take his freedom. Maybe I’ve seen too many Terminator movies. Skynet’s way of thinking didn’t seem to be universal so far.
“I will look at those first and see what we could use best,” I replied.
*Upgrade Titan with defensive and offensive capabilities*
*Upgrade Liberator to accommodate Foe Hammer*
*Upgrade Tom to make him faster and stronger.*
With all the upgrades done I closed the holographic window causing the room to go dark. There was some light from blue lights along the baseboards of the walls. Enough for me to see the figure standing by the door.
“Lights!” I shouted as I jumped to my feet.
The lights snapped and the figure went from being a silhouette to being Francine. My shoulders relaxed slightly from my fighting stance. It was what she wore that stopped me from going at ease. My friend and battle buddy had on no clothes at all.
“Hi, Francine,” I said with a nervous chuckle.
My friend smiled at me and stepped closer. She remained silent as she slowly walked to me. She moved like a jungle cat, all grace and sex appeal. As she walked I took in the sight of her. On her chest was a black ring just under the surface of her skin. From it the black veins snaked off in all directions. It thinned out and disappeared as it went down giving her a normal looking midsection and lower body. The black veins made their way down her arms to her fingers and even a little on her face. None of them detracted from the beauty that was Francine.
My pale skinned friend reached the bead and crawled onto it. Her long dark hair hung down over her face and drug along the sheets. Francine reached me and grabbed my hand. I offered no resistance as she pulled me down them climbed over me.
Both of our faces were hidden from the world under the cover of her hair. Inches from my face she spoke. “I wanted to thank you for saving my sister.”
“You did a good portion of that saving,” I added.
“Without you she would still be in that awful place.”
I opened my mouth to tell her it was both of us, but I was cut off by her lips touching mine. It was a gentle glance that became a hungry kiss. Francine was a grown woman and a capable warrior. This was what she wanted, and so did I. I let her have her way.
Not longer after she descended upon me I was in my birthday suite. Her hands explored my body and I felt hers. There was a slight tremble of her flesh which made me think she was nervous or scared. I figured nervous since she came to me and initiated this, but I had to be sure.
With a herculean effort I pulled my lips from hers. “Is this really what you want? I don’t want you to feel like you have to do this.”
“I want this, Tom,” Francine said.
“I just need you to understand that we are friends and I will go to hell and back for you without ever having to do this,” I said.
“I want you, Tom. I’m not doing this because of some misguided notion of owing you. I will fight by your side because we are friends and because I want to help others the way we helped my sister.”
I gave my friend a brief smile before pulling her down on top of me. The feel of her warm body pressing down on me was exquisite. We continued to kiss and explore until Francine decided it was time. She slid me inside of her and we spent long while enjoying each other.
When we were spent Francine lay next to my with her head on my chest. Up until then I had enjoyed sex with more than a few of these alien women, but none felt as real as what Francine and I had shared. We were connected and not just in that metaphorical way a man and woman are connected. There was something real, tangible.
“Tom,” Francine said drawing my attention away from my inner monologue.
“Yeah?”
“There are tiers to the Champions. A system of measuring their strength and placing them in a pecking order,” She said.
“Oh yeah, go on.”
“Well, there are five tiers with Omega being the top. Then there is Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, and Delta tiers, in that order.”
“I see, and what was Gigalance, do you know?”
“Him I am familiar with. He was a Delta tier Champion,” She replied.
I let out a low whistle. “No shit. As hard as it was beating him I don’t even want to imagine what it would be like to fight an Omega.”
“I don’t know much about them but it is said they have god-like power.” She raised her head and shifted so she could look me in the eye. “Does that make you want to stop all this and go home?” She asked. “I wouldn’t blame you.”
“No,” I said. “I think if they were really that strong the hundred years war would have been more like the ten minutes war. I have no doubt that we can’t beat them now. We have to get stronger and work our way up the ranks. Once we have power equal to theirs we will bring the fight to them.”
“And what if that power makes you a monster like them, what can we do against you and Titan?”
“I have a feeling that you and Foe Hammer will have something to say about that,” I replied. “Besides, how could I go rogue with you and the Liberator by my side?”
“I'm sorry, Tom. It's just that so much hope and faith was placed in the Champions and they came back twisted. I don’t want that for you.”
“Then stay by my side and make sure I don't go down the wrong path,” I said.
“I will, Tom. Nothing short of a horde of champions could drag you away from me.” She pushed up to her elbow and looked me in the face. “I have a surprise for you, Tom. Wait here for a minute. I have to go get it.”
“Okay, I’ll be here,” I said.
Francine crawled off the bed giving me a good look at her bare backside. She left the room and I laid back on the bed smiling. Life was good, far better than I deserved. By some cosmic twist of fate I was in space on a ship whose sole purpose was to support me and my giant robot. More than that, the entire galaxy looked to me for salvation from a group of evil super space assholes.
The door slid open putting a stop to my reverie. Francine entered wearing a big smile and a pale blue nightgown. “I present to you your gift.” Francine stepped to the side revealing Tevor’s sister Trella.
“What are you doing here?” I asked as I sat up. It occurred to me that I may have sounded a little more harsh than I intended.
“Well it’s good to see you too?” Trella said in a condescending tone.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it like that Trella. I was just shocked to see you here.”
“It’s alright, Tom. I understand how his could be jarring.” Trella stepped into the room and the door closed behind her.
“How did you get here?” I asked.
“She flew in with me aboard Foe Hammer,” Francine said.
“She was in Foe Hammer for the whole battle?” I asked.
“Yeah,” Francine said looking away as her cheeks took on a reddish color.
“It’s not her fault,” Trella interjected. “I asked her to bring me along and made sure she knew I understood the risks.” She pulled her shirt over her head then dropped it on the floor. “Truth is no
where is safe now.” She slid her pants off allowing them fall next to her shirt.” So either I chanced dying in Foe Hammer or in my brother’s little rebellion.” Trella approached the bed wearing thin black bra and panties. “So, are you going to welcome me aboard the right way or just leave a girl to her own devices?”
“How about you get over here and let me give you a proper hello,” I said.
Chapter 40
I woke up with Trella on my right and Francine on my left. With great care I extricate myself from the bed and enjoyed a hot shower. Francine and Trella were still asleep when I left my room to find some food.
Bridget sat at a table in the officer’s mess so I waved to her as I retrieved a plate and food. I joined my friend at the table wishing her a good morning.
“Good morning to you too, Tom. I hope you managed to get some sleep?” She asked me as she winked.
“There are no secretes on a ship,” I said as I chuckled.
“None at all,” Ariella said as she plopped down next to me and set her tray on the table. “Which is why I’m mad at you.” The exotic cat like alien woman stuck out her bottom lip in a pout. “You were supposed to come back and run to my arms. I feel like the only woman on this ship who hasn’t had a turn.”
I laughed hard almost choking on a mouth full of eggs. “That is not true at all. There are plenty of women onboard I haven’t even said hi to, let alone slept with.”
“Well, if that’s the case maybe I need to pounce before I ended up lower on the list,” Ariella said. She turned toward Bridget. “We have some time before the meeting later?”
“Sure do. You two go ahead and have him in the war room by thirteen hundred,” Bridget said.
“I’m sorry,” Ariella replied. You misunderstand. I was asking if the three of us had time. It’s been a while since we’ve spent some quality time together,” Ariella said to Bridget as she looked her up and down.
“Oh,” Bridget said. “It has been a while hasn’t it. Let’s go to my quarters and spend some quality time with our hero.”
My friends drug me down the ships corridors to Bridget's room. In a matter of seconds they had me stripped and laying on the large bed. Then I was left alone and for good reason. The two women undressed each other slowly. They took their time to kiss and caress one another. Soon after they turned their attentions back to me.
Bridget made sure we were done and ready for the meeting at thirteen hundred. Bridget and I walked into the war room five minutes before the start time. Ariella couldn't come right away as she had to retrieve an item from her shop.
“Good day to you, Tom, Bridget,” Captain Talbot said as he rose from his seat and walked around the large table.
“Hey, Captain,” I replied as I took his meaty hand in mine. “How is our girl running?”
Captain Talbot smiled wide revealing a mouth full of needle like teeth. “Liberator is a fine ship, lad. Keeping her running smooth has been one of the easier jobs.” He leaned in close and his voice took on a conspiratorial tone. “Don't tell anyone, but running this ship has been the easiest job I've ever had. It practically runs itself.”
“Your secret's safe with me, Captain,” I said with a chuckle.
Liberator is the most advanced ship ever built. Titan informed me. She is capable of running for extended periods with a single crew member. The champion that had her commissioned wanted to ensure he could run solo missions.
“Let's get started,” Bridget said loud enough for the everyone to hear.
Ariella rushed through the doors then. “Sorry I am late, Madam Senator.”
“You're fine, Ariella, we are just getting started” Bridget replied. She waited for Ariella to take a seat then continued.
“The leadership has decided for the time being to leave us to our own devices. We need to focus on building Titan and Tom's strength. Additionally, Tom has shown that he is capable of increasing our ranks. To that end, we will select planets in need of help that could provide the Alliance with new members.”
She took a moment to look from person to person. Aside from Bridget, Ariella, Captain Talbot and me there was the bridge crew, none of whom I knew, Doctor Philig and two others I didn't know, a man and a woman.
“Claira Shezh is on loan to us from the leadership to help facilitate recruitment and indoctrination. Claira, would you mind introducing yourself?”
The unknown woman stood. She was taller than I thought from having seen her seated. As far as aliens went this one had to be the strangest so far. Her face was built like a human from earth and an attractive one at that. Her skin ranged in color from blues, greens, and reds with orange spots arrayed in straight lines. Her skin took on a shimmer like it was covered in oil. Her hair was long and went straight back from her face to cascade down her back like a lime green waterfall. Claira's eye were the standard white sclera and had irises so dark they appeared black. The second most interesting thing about her was how she stared at me unashamed with a look of hunger.
“Thank you, Senator, Claira said as she rose to her feet. Her eyes stayed locked on me until she was standing. The robes she wore billowed out and swayed in an unfelt breeze. “As the Senator said I am Claira. My mission here is simply to make your lives easier when it comes to bringing new planets into the fold. I look forward to working with all of you,” her eyes locked on me once more, “and making our forces much stronger.”
“Thank you, Claira,” Bridget said as she rose to her feet. And now I present Doctor Anders Lairs. Doctor Lairs, please stand and introduce yourself,” Bridget said then took her seat.
“Thank you, Senator,” Anders said as he stood. “As our illustrious senator said, I am a Doctor. My specialty is cybernetics and I am here to ensure our hero is hale and whole. The Masters Gear is a new technology and we have no clue of the long term effects of integrating that tech into the body.”
“What?” I stood pushing my chair across the room from the force of that motion. “What do you mean the effects of the Masters Gear?” I shouted.
“I am sorry, Tom,” Anders said. “I may have misspoke, or maybe didn’t make myself clear.”
“Tom, please sit,” Bridget said as she placed her hand on my arm. “I stand by what I said, Tom. The Masters gear is safe and the only hope for an entire galaxy. Anders is here to make sure you adjust well to it and it to you. Please sit down.”
I plopped down and crossed my arms over my chest. I was going to keep an eye on this so called doctor. One wrong move and he would receive a real education about what the Masters Gear could do.
“Forgive me, Lady Senator. I will show you and our hero that I am worth my salt. The Masters Gear needs to be studied and understood to maximize its potential. I won't let you down,” Anders said then he sat down.
Bridget gave my thigh a comforting squeeze before continuing. “Think nothing of it. Just be sure to take the best care possible of our hero.”
“You have my word,” Anders said with a nod of his head.
“Next order of business. Captain Talbot, you have a suggestion for our first officially sanctioned mission?”
“Yes, yes I do. I feel strongly that we should go to Deudermont and take the mines there. If we cut of a valuable resource like that we will undoubtedly weaken the Champions and give our own forces a boost to moral as well as resources available,” Captain Talbot said with an air that said he was used to his commands being obeyed.
“We talked about this, Talbot,” Bridget said. She rubbed the bridge of her nose as she continued. “That system is heavily guarded and beyond us. If we go there is a good chance we get destroyed or captured. It is too much of a risk. We need to get Titan and Tom stronger first. Once they are strong enough we will strike out at high value targets.”
“If we keep going and building up strength the Champions will react. Did you think they would sit by while their stolen prized weapon destroys their kingdom one system at a time? We have to hit them hard now!” Captain Talbot slammed his fist on the table.
“We …” Bridget started her rebuttal but I cut her off by placing my hand on hers.
“He’s right,” I said. “We have to hit them hard and we have to do it now. Waiting will just result in a stronger response from the Champions.”
Bridget stared a me and I saw both fear and anger flash through her eyes. I gave her a small nod. “Trust me,” I whispered. She sighed and nodded.
“Do you have a plan, Captain?” I asked.
“You bet your ass I do,” He replied with gusto.
The meeting carried on for a few hours as Talbot outlined his plan and we tore it apart. With the help of everyone we found the holes and figure out how to get by them. Once satisfied we had a good start to a plan Bridget called us done for the day. I grabbed her hand and stopped her from leaving the room as everyone else was going.
“Hey, Bridge,” I said once we were alone. “I’m sorry if you felt I stepped on your toes.”
“I did, but I also know you and Captain Talbot may be right.” She stepped closer and placed her hand on my chest. “I just want to make sure you live through this war we are starting and you can have a life afterwards.”
“I appreciate that, Bridge. I want that too, for all of us. If the rest of these Champs are worse than Gigalance we can’t give them the chance to make plans to fight us. We have to keep them on their toes and be unpredictable.”
“Your right, Tom. This is why You are in charge. I saw greatness in you and you have not let me down,” Bridget said.
“And I don’t plan on it.”
“Well what is your plan?” Bridget asked with a smile.
“To kickass and take names, even if they are stupid names like Gigalance,” I said with a chuckle.
“That is a good plan.” She chuckled.
“Seriously though, don’t ever be afraid to question me. I need you to keep me grounded and make sure I make good decisions. You know what I went through before …” I bit back the words that wanted to come. Saying them out loud gave voice to something I wasn’t ready to face.
“I will be here to stop you if you make a dumb decision,” Bridget said.